The mist-covered peaks, evergreen forest and crystal clear lakes are not the only attractions of the Kodaikanal. The latest news is that Kurinji flower garden is all set to be an added attraction in the list.
It is said that both the Muthuvas of Munnar and Todas of Nilgiris consider Kurinji flower very auspicious. It has intertwined with these tribals lives because Kuriniji is said to be the flower of Lord Muruga, the God who married Valli, a Veda girl (tribal hunter), by weaving a garland of Kurinji flower around her neck. And since then Kurinji flower has become the symbol of love and romance.
Government has sanctioned Rs 15.2 lakh for creation of the Kurinji garden. Till now there was no full fledged garden solely for the flower. Finally the long pending demand of the botanists and the wish of tourists seem to be coming true with the creation of Kurinji garden on the slopes below Coakers Walk. According to the tourism department, the garden is going to be created within 6 months of time and for which the baby plants are also being grown.
As of now, nowhere in the state there is a Kurinji Garden. So one can imagine how after the creation of garden, how Coakers walk will present breathtaking views of Kurinji Garden in various hues and specially blue. There are different varieties but the blue-coloured Kurinji blooms once in 12 years and thus making it special. Tourism department has said that if this project becomes a success, then the entire 1 km slope below Coakers Walk will be covered with Kurinji flowers in the next phase.
